AGP Executive Report

Local Travel Safety: A fatal head-on crash in St. Tammany Parish killed 74-year-old Milda N. Capponi; investigators say a Honda slowed to turn into a parking lot when it was struck by a Toyota, and toxicology samples were taken from both drivers. Tourism & Culture: New Orleans rapper Odd the Artist is out with “Mothership,” drawing on ’70s Blaxploitation themes of strong Black women and centering motherhood and survival. Outdoor & Recreation: St. Mary Parish is pushing the Atchafalaya Gateway Trail to connect existing and planned walking and biking projects, aiming to boost recreation and tourism. Agriculture & Seasonal Travel: LSU AgCenter is responding to a newly identified pasture mealybug threatening Louisiana sugarcane, including Acadiana fields, with emergency treatment and research underway. Tech for Travelers: A nationwide T-Mobile outage left many customers stuck in SOS mode, disrupting boarding passes and navigation across major cities, including New Orleans. Sports Schedule (Big Easy Impact): LSU released its 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule, with Will Wade’s first season featuring an early home opener against LSU New Orleans and more marquee matchups.

New Orleans Culinary Spotlight: The James Beard Foundation picked New Orleans as the national kickoff city for its 2026-27 Taste America series, with the Sept. 16 stop at The Josephine featuring all 20 TasteTwenty chefs and local restaurant leaders. Back-to-School in the Big Easy: Saints WRs Jordyn Tyson and Chris Olave team up for “The Kickoff” giveaway Aug. 1 at City of Love Gospel Church, offering backpacks and school supplies for registered families. Outdoor & Tourism Growth: St. Mary Parish is pushing the Atchafalaya Gateway Trail to connect existing and planned walking and biking projects, aiming to boost recreation, tourism, and future grant applications. Local Travel Disruption: DOTD plans overnight maintenance on the LA 14 Bypass Bridge over the Vermilion River in Abbeville, closing it 8 p.m. Wed. July 29 to 3 a.m. Thu. July 30. Health Access Event: Ochsner LSU Health’s Free Health Fest runs Aug. 1 in Shreveport with screenings and family activities at Riverview Hall. Safety & Public Trust: Louisiana, Mo., police clarified flock camera rumors, saying the automated readers don’t do live viewing or facial recognition and data is deleted after 30 days. Food Recall Watch: A Salmonella egg outbreak tied to recalled eggs has spread across 17 states, including Louisiana, prompting health officials to urge people to check refrigerators.

New Orleans Tourism & Culture: New Orleans chefs and restaurateurs are drawing major attention as the city hosts Bocuse d’Or and the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie qualifying rounds at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, with teams competing for finals in Lyon. Local Leadership & Community: New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno discusses how being Latina and bilingual helped her defend immigrant communities amid the Trump-era “Operation Catahoula Crunch.” Court Watch: A federal appeals court is set to decide the landmark Uhuru 3 First Amendment case, a fight tied to free speech and anti-colonial organizing. Food Safety for Travelers: The FDA announced a voluntary recall of more than 1.5 million dozen shell eggs distributed to retail and foodservice customers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, urging shoppers to check carton codes and dates. Road & Safety: Louisiana State Police reported two fatal ATV crashes in Concordia and Avoyelles parishes, and a separate hit-and-run on Greenwell Springs Road killed a 39-year-old man. Outdoor Fun: The Bikes & Beaches Time Trial in Pass Christian brought 55 cyclists to a scenic 10-mile Highway 90 course. Heat Alert: Southeast Louisiana is under extreme heat guidance as football practices near, with officials stressing rest, exposure, and nutrition.

X Games New Orleans 2026: The MoonPay X Games New Orleans Championship kicked off at Caesars Superdome with more than 80 athletes from 16 countries competing in skateboarding, BMX, Moto X and first-ever scooter events, with Day One results already setting the pace. Coastal Tourism: The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo continues in Grand Isle, keeping a tradition that dates to 1928, with weekend events including crab races, live music and food. Local Safety: Baton Rouge police are investigating a hit-and-run after 39-year-old John Nguyen was struck and killed on Greenwell Springs Road near Airline Highway; the driver fled without calling 911. Family & Community: Webster Parish’s Pack the Bus school supply drive wrapped up after two days of collecting supplies and donations despite triple-digit heat. Travel & Flights: Breeze Airways announced major network expansion, adding 17 new destinations, including routes tied to New Orleans. Road & Travel Planning: A federal grant will fund a Louisiana study of truck parking shortages on I-10 and I-12, aiming to ease logistics for drivers.

LIGO & Louisiana Science: A new report explains how LIGO’s two L-shaped detectors—one in Washington and one in Louisiana—use laser beams in 4-kilometer tunnels to spot tiny spacetime ripples from distant cosmic events. New Orleans Leadership & City-State Tensions: Mayor Helena Moreno navigates tight budgets and public safety needs while balancing Baton Rouge Republicans’ influence and Democratic expectations, including a move to reset relations with the state. Back-to-School Help in New Orleans: InspireNOLA handed out 4,000 backpacks at Xavier University, and hundreds of families packed the Treme Recreation Center for another giveaway with supplies, food, and activities. Grand Isle Fishing Festival: The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo kept its 1928 tradition going with live music, food, and a new option to keep catches instead of only displaying them. Travel & Tourism Watch: A separate tourism report notes more Americans are taking domestic trips closer to home, even as some downtown businesses feel a lag. Gas Prices Roundup: AAA and GasBuddy updates show Louisiana fuel costs remain volatile, with multiple parishes reporting week-to-week changes.

New Orleans Travel & Culture: The city’s arts scene keeps humming with a big-screen “Hadestown” review that captures the myth-meets-rock energy of the New Orleans-meets-London stage vibe—good fuel for anyone planning a music-heavy getaway. Coastal Louisiana Events: The International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo returned for another year, keeping a tradition alive since 1928, with weekend festivities and a notable format shift letting anglers keep their catch. Lodging & Development: Kenner’s Laketown area is moving toward construction on a $19M concert amphitheater on Lake Pontchartrain’s shoreline, aiming to draw thousands of visitors and spread entertainment activity beyond the usual hubs. Air Travel for Fans: United is adding special nonstop flights from Birmingham to Baton Rouge for LSU game travel, plus Knoxville for Tennessee—handy for Louisiana-bound football weekends. Safety on the Road: Louisiana State Police report a pedestrian death on U.S. Highway 84 in Vidalia, a reminder to stay visible and use safer walking routes at night. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha’s impacts are still in the mix across the Gulf region, with ongoing guidance for travelers to check conditions before heading out.

Kenner Concert Push: Kenner’s Laketown is moving toward construction of a $19M amphitheater on Lake Pontchartrain, planned for up to 15,000 attendees, with federal CDBG funds from Hurricane Ida and a remaining $7M to be raised. Acadiana Staycation Spotlight: New Iberia’s Baits Motel is opening as a quirky, locally themed roadside stop near Bayou Teche and downtown events—built for visitors who want more than chain hotels. Tourism Boost Watch: New Orleans and Company is eyeing the 2026 X Games as a summer lift, bringing a younger crowd and encouraging fans to shop local while hotel occupancy stays strong. Family Fun Calendar: Natchitoches has kicked off the countdown to the 100th anniversary of the Christmas Festival of Lights, with a new exhibit and centennial events starting now. Road Safety: St. Helena Parish is investigating a fatal hit-and-run on LA 1045 that killed 19-year-old Caden Thomas; the alleged driver turned himself in and faces charges. Travel Costs: AAA reports Louisiana gas prices at their highest since summer 2022, with regular averaging $3.68 and diesel $4.93. Adventure Park Pick: Timber Ridge Adventure Park in Natchitoches is pitching its family-friendly outdoor gem mining, mini golf, and “real treasure” experiences as summer must-dos.

Road Safety: A 19-year-old Hammond man died in a St. Helena Parish hit-and-run on LA-1045; the suspected driver, an Amite man, turned himself in and faces felony hit-and-run and negligent homicide charges. Health Policy: A federal judge ruled FDA limits on the abortion pill mifepristone are “arbitrary and capricious,” ordering the FDA to reconsider restrictions—an issue Louisiana is watching closely in related litigation. Tourism & Culture: New Orleans’ Jean Lafitte’s Olde Absinthe House is spotlighted for a classic Sazerac ritual, and Saints DE Cameron Jordan shared the inspiration behind his new blonde hair while running his annual kids’ camp at the team facility. Travel Planning: Louisiana DOTD will study truck parking demand along I-10 and I-12 after a $640,000 federal grant, aiming to reduce shoulder and ramp stops. Local Life: Baton Rouge’s needlepoint community gets a new permanent home as The Red Stitch moves into Jefferson Plaza, with plans to keep the “screen-free” craft vibe going. Weather & Travel Disruption: Tropical Storm Bertha’s Gulf impacts are still being tallied, with heavy rain and surf reported along the coast. Gas Prices: AAA says the national regular average jumped 15 cents to $4.09.

X Games in New Orleans: The Caesars Superdome is getting an action-sports makeover for the inaugural MoonPay X Games League Championship, with nearly 100 skateboard, BMX and motocross riders competing over three days and Louisiana’s own Broc Raiford among the athletes. Carnival Rules Update: New Orleans City Council approved new Carnival safety rules, including stricter ladder restrictions and changes to parade routes/start times. Storm Bertha Aftermath: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish, then weakened as it moved across Texas; coastal watches and warnings were lifted, but dangerous surf and rip currents lingered along the Louisiana and Texas coasts. Health & Travel Safety: Cyclospora cases are rising in Louisiana, with Lafayette leading the state, and officials link the outbreak to fresh produce. Tourism & Local Economy: A federal BUILD grant will fund a study of truck parking demand along I-10/I-12, aiming to reduce dangerous shoulder stops that can disrupt travel. Local Culture: New Beginnings Beauty College’s dual-enrollment program is helping New Orleans students train for careers ahead of the school year.

Tropical Storm Bertha & Travel Safety: Louisiana’s Gulf Coast is still dealing with Bertha’s aftermath and the bigger risk is inland flooding as the storm heads toward Texas, with officials urging residents to follow local evacuation guidance and prepare now. New Orleans Lodging Update: Omni Royal Orleans opened its renovated La Riviera Rooftop & Pool Bar, adding a new rooftop pool, expanded deck seating, cabanas, and French Quarter views, with room renovations slated to finish in early 2027. Carnival Safety Rules: New Orleans City Council approved tighter Carnival regulations—float riders must wear harnesses and keep both feet on floats, with stricter rules on throws and enforcement upgrades. Legal Fight Over Hotel Staffing: A New Orleans property owner sued the city, arguing the city can’t retroactively require 24/7 on-site staffing under the rules tied to its original permits. Road Safety Tragedies: Louisiana State Police are investigating fatal crashes in East Baton Rouge (a 19-year-old killed) and Vernon Parish (a 46-year-old killed). Tourism Spotlight: Jeff Davis Parish tourism director Carter Prejean marked her first year, highlighting growth at Gator Chateau and increased international interest. Local Real Estate: Award-winning New Orleans REALTOR Valerie Barrilleaux joined Crescent Sotheby’s. MLB Prospect Buzz: LSU alum Kade Anderson jumped to No. 1 in Keith Law’s top Mariners prospects ranking.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Bertha made landfall in Louisiana’s St. Bernard Parish with ~45 mph winds, closing beaches and low-lying areas, and pushing tropical-storm warnings from the Alabama-Mississippi line through metro New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain out to Sargent, Texas. Flood & travel watch: Forecasters say the storm should weaken as it tracks along the Louisiana/upper Texas coasts, but heavy rain and localized flooding risks can still pop up, with storm surge up to ~3 feet possible in parts of Louisiana and Alabama. Heat + beach hazards: Even as Bertha moves west, extreme heat and rip-current risk remain a concern for Gulf beachgoers, with officials urging swimmers to follow lifeguards and flags. Local tourism angle: Louisiana’s tourism economy is getting a real-time stress test as coastal closures and storm prep collide with summer travel plans. Community sports & events: LHSCA Coaches Clinic drew big crowds in Baton Rouge, and Southeastern Louisiana’s Landen East qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship—good news for sports fans looking past the weather.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Bertha made landfall in St. Bernard Parish as a weakened storm, with Gov. Jeff Landry saying the worst rain and wind impacts are less likely than feared. Still, localized heavy rain and isolated flooding are possible through Thursday, and beaches and low-lying areas saw closures as dangerous surf and rip-current risk spread along the Gulf Coast. Travel & tourism watch: Carnival Cruise Line told guests on Carnival Breeze (Galveston, July 23) there are no confirmed itinerary changes yet, while travelers across the region are urged to monitor conditions and flight status as weather disruptions continue. Outdoor adventure: A local piece highlights how swamp tours in Louisiana blend wildlife viewing with education on wetlands’ role in flood protection and habitat. Local food & culture: Baton Rouge chef Ciara Finley’s Desiderata Kitchen story spotlights shrimp and grits and her path from spa work to catering. Workforce & travel infrastructure: Meta’s America Workforce push is tied to construction training for craft careers—relevant as Louisiana’s tourism and lodging growth depends on skilled labor.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Gulf Coast beaches from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana closed and sandbags went out as Bertha churned west. Forecasters warn of tropical storm conditions for the New Orleans metro and Lake Pontchartrain, with up to 4-foot storm surge possible in parts of Louisiana and 2–4 inches of rain that could trigger flash flooding. Local Preparedness: St. Bernard Parish marinas are urging fishers to secure boats and get ready for fast-rising water, while officials closed sector gates. Travel Disruption Watch: Reuters reports dangerous surf and rip currents, plus potential flight delays as the storm nears. FEMA Funding: FEMA approved more than $76.3 million for disaster recovery in Louisiana and other states, including Richland Parish debris removal and generator support. Mardi Gras Safety: New Orleans City Council members propose tougher fines for parade-rule violations tied to congestion and sanitation issues, including concerns involving the Krewe of Chad. Family Travel Budget: Louisiana back-to-school costs are projected around $557–$611 per child, with supplies about $140.

Tropical Storm Bertha: Louisiana is bracing as Bertha strengthens in the Gulf and spreads tropical-storm conditions westward, with heavy rain, gusty winds, and coastal flooding concerns. Travel Safety & Disruptions: Sandbag sites opened along the Gulf, beaches are closing for dangerous surf and rip currents, and Grand Isle’s Tarpon Rodeo starts later Thursday (5 p.m.) due to the storm, though the weekend plans continue. Local Tourism Spotlight: New Orleans hosts the Great American Seafood Cook-Off July 24–25, with Lafayette chef Kris Allen representing Louisiana at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Cruise Cautionary Tale: A Louisiana woman was seriously injured during a rope swing excursion in Honduras on a Carnival cruise, with reports of a tag line improperly connected and a costly medical evacuation. Food Recall Watch: Taylor Farms recalled certain iceberg lettuce products tied to a cyclosporiasis outbreak, even as FDA says one positive test was a false positive—so check what’s on the recall list before you eat. Community & Workforce: We Work the Waterways named Kelsey Foster as its new deputy director, aiming to grow maritime career outreach.

Weather & Travel Safety: Tropical Storm Bertha has formed in the Gulf and is strengthening as it crawls toward the northern Gulf Coast, with tropical storm warnings and storm surge watches stretching from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana’s coast; forecasters warn of heavy rain, possible flash flooding, damaging winds, and life-threatening storm surge (up to about 4 feet) along vulnerable shoreline areas, so travelers should watch local updates and plan for delays. Local Preparedness: Jefferson Parish is already cleaning catch basins, staffing its emergency operations center 24/7, and urging residents to clear drains, secure loose items, and charge devices ahead of Bertha’s expected arrival midweek. Outdoor & Water Conditions: Gulf Coast beachgoers and boaters should expect rough surf, dangerous rip currents, and hazardous conditions as the storm nears. Tourism Spotlight: New Orleans hosts the Summer X Games run at the Caesars Superdome this weekend (July 24–26), bringing major action-sports crowds—just keep an eye on weather impacts if you’re heading out.

Tropical Storm Bertha Prep: Tropical Depression Two is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha, with NHC expanding storm surge and tropical storm watches from the Florida Panhandle through southeast Louisiana; Louisiana officials say the biggest impacts hit Wednesday into early Thursday, with wind, heavy rain, flash flooding risk, and possible surge up to 4 feet in some coastal spots. Local Readiness: New Orleans crews are lowering canal levels, staffing pumps, and closing floodgates; parishes opened sandbag sites and urged residents to clear catch basins and secure outdoor items. Insurance Reminder: Louisiana’s insurance commissioner Tim Temple urged residents to review homeowners and flood coverage now, including hurricane/flood deductibles. Travel Disruption Watch: Gulf Islands National Seashore is closing multiple areas in Florida and Mississippi ahead of the storm. On-the-Road Safety: A Tangipahoa crash left one dead and led to an arrest for vehicular homicide; another motorcycle crash near St. Thomas sent two to the hospital. New Orleans Dining: Procida is set to open in the Marigny in early August, bringing southern Italian coastal flavors to 2000 Burgundy St.